HERE is where we are going to talk about a sustainable meat bird flock

[mistyfeather]

i just got 2 california whites and 2 buff orpingtons, does any one know how they do as meat birds ? i know that the california whites are a sex linked cross ( i think whit leg horn hen to the california grey )so they (i am asoming would not breed true) but if they made a good meat bird could they be crosed with say a delawere or other lg. DP bird? i wounder how they would be crossed? i would like to use the buff orpingtons as they would redily hatch their on babies witch is great since i dont have an incubator!how do they dress out?

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Quote:
I think that's not really gonna materialize at a local level anytime soon, if ever.

Nonetheless, I put an ad on craigslist yesterday looking for purebred 'scovy eggs to hatch and I've got two sources now.

 

[FreedomLover]

We don't have our chickens yet, however, our plan was to start w/BO's (hens and a rooster) for both meat and eggs. I'm thinking we will also add some Marens eventually as well. And after reading this thread I've been talking to my DH about getting some Bourbon Red turkeys as well.

I figure with chickens, turkeys, rabbits, goats and fish we'll have a nice wide variety of meats, eggs and diary to add to our garden produce and orchard.

 

[Wifezilla]

So, I guess second best would be Pekin?

Not necessarily. While they are definitely meaty, the fact that they do not usually brood their own young knocks them out of the sustainability category. Rouens are supposed to be broody ducks and they are plenty meaty. They do take a while to grow out though.​

 

[Buster52]

Quote:
That's pretty much my thinking, and ironically my identical program. It isn't just about chickens.

Good choice on the Bourbon Reds.

Speaking of which, I'm about to put another one of my toms in the freezer this weekend.

ETA
Identical except for the diary. I've never been very good at keeping one.

 

[Buster52]

Quote:
Not necessarily. While they are definitely meaty, the fact that they do not usually brood their own young knocks them out of the sustainability category.

I have a pretty strict definition of what is and is not sustainable, for myself at least. Broodiness, while preferred, is not one of them.

The incubator is my friend.

I prefer to tractor my meat birds on pasture. That is easier to do when you have large batches of birds of a similar age.

 

[Wifezilla]

I might agree with you if I didn't buy such a cheap thermostat for my incubator and now regret it

LOL

Anyway, my preference for Welsh Harlequins is because of their egg laying ability, dual purpose nature and broodiness. They fact that they are cute as all get out, friendly and very entertaining just makes them a perfect match for me

 

[paduanchook]

I have to get the unfriendliest birds to butcher, I have a hard time killing cute

 

[jjparke]

I throw all my chicken manure on my garden. Does that count as sustainability?

 

[Buster52]

Quote:
Only if you compost it first.